Outer Banks in WinterWeather, Things to do, Rentals & More
Enjoy coastal winter paradise on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. OBX weather during the winter months is mild and sunny on some days and cold and windy on other days. Average high temperatures on the Outer Banks in winter are generally in the mid-50s, and average low temperatures are in the high-30s and low-40s. While the Outer Banks rarely gets snow, winter nor’easters can bring cold temperatures, powerful surf, and high winds. In fact, the Wright Brothers chose the Outer Banks as the location to test their experimental glider due to the ideal wind conditions during the winter months.
The ocean temperature on the Outer Banks in the winter is cold, normally in the high 40’s or low 50’s. While comfortable swimming in the ocean is not an option for most, the ocean temperature in the winter is perfect for a quick polar plunge for the fearless.
OBX Winter Weather
What to expect in December, January, and February
Daytime
53°- Crisp and chilly
- Bring a jacket
- Sunrise between 6:53 am and 7:11 am
Evenings
39°- Brisk
- Pack boots and a hat
- Sunset between 4:48 pm and 5:55 pm
Ocean
47°- The water is very chilly
- *Surf can be powerful during windy conditions
What is the weather like in the winter on the Outer Banks?
While winter weather on the Outer Banks is generally chilly, it is not unheard of to experience a warm, sunny day with high temperatures in the 70’s. Calm, sunny winter days are perfect for beachcombing and shellseeking. On the flip side, winter nor’easters can bring bitterly cold weather, with cloudy skies, high winds, and temperatures in the high 30’s. Nor’easters are low-pressure coastal storms that normally bring heavy rain, high winds, and rough seas to the Outer Banks. If on the OBX during a nor’easter, braving the weather for a quick visit to the beach is recommended - the high surf is an incredible sight to behold.
What to pack for OBX winter weather
Winter weather on the Outer Banks encourages visitors to pack a variety of clothing options. During the day, a long-sleeve t-shirt or a hoodie may be sufficient if the weather is sunny. On windy days, a winter jacket, hat, and gloves are recommended.
Does it snow on the Outer Banks?
Snow on the Outer Banks is not uncommon; however, the Outer Banks does not regularly receive significant snowfall. The Outer Banks occasionally gets lake-effect snow due to its unique location between the ocean and the sound.
Things to Do in the Outer Banks in Winter
If you’re seeking solitude, the Outer Banks in winter is calming and restorative. The Outer Banks is not crowded during the winter months, which means low traffic, minimal (if any) wait times at restaurants, and a wide-open beach to explore. The slower pace offers the opportunity to relax or fully explore the coastal landscape. Surfing can also be a fun winter activity with proper planning and a wetsuit.
Holiday Events
While January and February are ideal times to simply enjoy the serenity the Outer Banks in winter offers, OBX holiday events and experiences can be found throughout the area in December.
- Corolla Christmas Village is a free event in Historic Corolla Village that includes holiday lights, shopping opportunities, and food trucks.
- The Duck Yuletide Celebration includes live music, the lighting of the crab pot tree on the town green, and the arrival of Santa.
- 12 Bars of Christmas is a multi-location event where twelve local OBX restaurants are transformed into festive pop-ups with themed decorations and special holiday menus.
- Stroll through an illuminated winter wonderland at WinterLights at The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo.
- Christmas events in Downtown Manteo include the annual town Christmas tree lighting on the First Friday in December and a Christmas Parade the following morning.
- Shop for OBX ornaments at The Christmas Mouse in Nags Head or The Christmas Shop in Manteo.
- Ring in the New Year on the Outer Banks in Downtown Manteo with live music and fireworks at the waterfront.
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Beachcombing
With no crowds on the beach, shell seekers can spend time finding unique shells that have washed up on the beach. Fully intact whelk shells, scotch bonnets, and sea stars are commonly found on the beach in the days following a nor’easter. Other prized beachcombing finds include sea glass, fulgurite, and driftwood.
Hiking
Cooler temperatures offer the opportunity to explore the many hiking trails on the Outer Banks. Visit Jockey’s Ridge State Park and look for the interesting sand patterns created by the winter winds. The Wright Brothers National Memorial grounds are vast, and the memorial sits at the top of a big hill. Explore a maritime forest as you hike through Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve. Flying insects are minimal during cold weather, but bring bug spray just in case.
Eat Oysters
Outer Banks oysters are a true delicacy, best experienced during the winter months. While farmed oysters are available year-round, wild oysters are at their tastiest during the colder months of the year. Many restaurants on the Outer Banks offer raw bar oysters and a variety of oyster dishes, such as fried oysters, grilled oysters, and oyster stew.
Go Stargazing
The dark night sky on the Outer Banks during winter is a sight to behold. With the lowest level of light pollution due to low crowds, the stars are at their brightest. On a clear night in the winter, the Milky Way and some planets can be seen with the naked eye. Many meteor showers peak in the winter months, making stargazing an exciting Outer Banks activity in the winter.
Explore the OBX to Plan Your Summer Vacation
Winter on the Outer Banks is the perfect time to plan your summer vacation. Get to know the different areas of the OBX by figuring out what is close to your summer vacation home, and get a lay of the land as you navigate different neighborhoods.
Winter Vacation Planning
Explore the Outer Banks in a brand new way by visiting the area during the Winter months.
Rental home availability is at its peak, and rates are at their lowest during the winter months. Many beach houses are outfitted with cozy and inviting amenities.
Choose a home with a hot tub and enjoy an invigorating soak each day.
Snuggle up by the vacation home’s fireplace and watch your favorite movie.
Watch the waves roll in from an oceanfront home.
Play all day in a home with an arcade or game room.
Gather the entire family on the Outer Banks for the holidays. Many festive events are happening throughout the Outer Banks to keep your entire family in the holiday spirit.
Visit Corolla Christmas Village to get into the holiday spirit.
Shop for unique OBX-made gifts at holiday markets.
Stroll through an illuminated wonderland at Winterlights at the Elizabethan Gardens.
Ring in the New Year with loved ones on the Outer Banks.
Experience the serenity of the beach in the winter. Outer Banks beaches are always open and available for exploration, no matter the season.
Go for a calming walk on a mostly empty beach.
Spend time combing through shell beds, searching for elusive sea glass.
Watch the sea foam roll in during powerful nor’easter surf.
Look for migrating birds that pass through the OBX in the winter.
Visit the Outer Banks in the Winter
Book a winter vacation on the OBX and discover the area in the quiet season. Gather and connect with loved ones in a beautiful Outer Banks vacation home.